Smarter circular supply chains are aiming for a sustainable plastic future
A circular economy aims to extend the life of materials and products by reintegrating them into the supply chain, contrasting with the traditional linear model of “take-make-use-dispose.” Research led by Ana Inés Torres at Carnegie Mellon University focuses on designing systematic, data-driven models for circular economy networks. Her team applies mathematical frameworks to optimize material use, reduce emissions, and balance economic trade-offs, using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a key case study. PET, commonly used in packaging, is recyclable but mostly ends up in landfills. Torres and her team show that combining mechanical and chemical recycling methods optimizes both cost and environmental impact, while chemical recycling best supports circularity. Collaborating with Ph.D. students Abdulhakeem Ahmed and Daniel Pert, they also examine how different actors (e.g., manufacturers, consumers) affect overall system performance. Their dynamic models suggest that reuse strategies outperform recycling in reducing environmental impact, offering long-term insights for sustainable supply chain design. Learn more about this project.
Image source: Pexels